I am using BVE as a testing ground for the Sony FS7 and I soon realised the pitfalls of using the 28-135 lens for interviews.
Alister Chapman was virtually our first interview of the day, fortunately we have the PXW-X70 with us as a roving second camera to cut in and out of.
In order to get anywhere close to a mid shot you are having to position yourself further away than you would normally and the problem this causes in a busy environment is Alister being able to hear my questions.
Fortunately I had the Sony 10-18mm f4 lens with me that was far more useful for this type of interview. People at trade shows are often demonstrating kit and having a slightly looser shot is more advantageous.
Interestingly Dan Chungs cameraman was using the 24-70mm f2.8 Sony A mount lens for their interviews.
Sony also announced V2 FS7 firmware roadmap yesterday which is a free upgrade…
New Features & Improvements:
The FS7 now supports XAVC-I 4K (4096 x 2160) recording, a capability that opens up new possibilities not only for the production of documentaries and programs, but also for a wide range of professional applications. The corresponding frame rates and bit rates are listed below.
| Format | Resolution | Wrap | Quality | Frame Rate | Bit Rate |
| XAVC-I | 4096 x 2160 | MXF | 4:2:2 10bit | 59.94p | 600Mbps |
| 29.97p | 300Mbps | ||||
| 23.98p | 240Mbps | ||||
| 50p | 500Mbps | ||||
| 25p | 250Mbps |
Support for ProRes Recording
The FS7 now supports ProRes recording* (ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422)**, providing an easy-to-use environment for those accustomed to the ProRes workflow. The corresponding frame rates are listed below.
* ProRes recording requires attachment of the optional XDCA-FS7 extension unit and a compatible optional power supply (BP-FL75 V-mount battery, etc.)
** This function does not support simultaneous recording, S&Q recording, Picture Cache Rec or other special shooting functions.
| Format | Resolution | Wrap | Frame Rate |
| ProRes 422 HQ | 1920 x 1080 | MOV | 59.94i |
| 29.97p | |||
| 23.98p | |||
| 50i | |||
| 25p | |||
| ProRes 422 | 1920 x 1080 | MOV | 59.94i |
| 29.97p | |||
| 23.98p | |||
| 50i | |||
| 25p |
The FS7 supports 4-channel audio input. In applications such as an interview, this function enables the simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, the built-in microphone for voice memos by the operator, and two optional UWP Series wireless microphones for voice of interviewer and interviewee.In addition, by the use of an optional XLR adapter “XLR-K2M” which provides additional 2 XLR inputs, possible applications are further expanded.PXW-FS7 V2 Firmware will be downloadable during March 2015
XAVC-I support , great , and great bitrate.
abbout the XAVC-L ? is it DOA or MIA?
the Dan Chungs cameraman sports a viewfinder loupe? what was that? looks like the hoodman for ex1?
Thank you so much for these very informative posts. Lots of great info. Keep them coming.